Need Help, Who Knows Bose?
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Derry nh
Need Help, Who Knows Bose?
Just bought a rear amp board (blown IC) and caps to overhaul the front amps of my Bose equipped '91. Now the Bose front end dies! It was working a few weeks ago (with olny two speakers) but all I get now is a hum/buzz from all the speakers and very faint music with the volume at max.
I know everyone hates the Bose system but I would like to get mine working (it's a nostalgia thing... I worked at Bose in the 80's on the first Delco/Bose systems).
Before I tear into the dash, are there any obvious things to check? Read something somewhere about a speaker relay. Is there any detailed wiring info on the whole Bose system?
I know everyone hates the Bose system but I would like to get mine working (it's a nostalgia thing... I worked at Bose in the 80's on the first Delco/Bose systems).
Before I tear into the dash, are there any obvious things to check? Read something somewhere about a speaker relay. Is there any detailed wiring info on the whole Bose system?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,752
Likes: 3
From: Bethlehem PA
Funny you ask.....as a former employee and all...
With my first vette (50th AE vert), I called Bose tech to ask some very basic questions about size and displacement, and they were absolutely befuddled.
I guess you aren't having any better luck than I did.
I'd recommend purchasing used Bose stuff from the local boneyard or from one of the vendors at the Carlisle show if you are going.
If not, I'd really scrap the set-up and upgrade to more dependable, newer equipment.
Not to rag on Bose more, but the equipment you're seeking to fix is over 15 years old, and early generation Bose.
Scott
With my first vette (50th AE vert), I called Bose tech to ask some very basic questions about size and displacement, and they were absolutely befuddled.
I guess you aren't having any better luck than I did.
I'd recommend purchasing used Bose stuff from the local boneyard or from one of the vendors at the Carlisle show if you are going.
If not, I'd really scrap the set-up and upgrade to more dependable, newer equipment.
Not to rag on Bose more, but the equipment you're seeking to fix is over 15 years old, and early generation Bose.
Scott
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,718
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From: Dyer IN
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Ill be honest most C4 stuff I just did full rewire jobs etc, but there is a relay somewhere which could be not turning on but it doesnt sound like your problem, it sounds to me like your indash radio is toasted
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Mt Laurel NJ
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Originally Posted by pentavolvo
Ill be honest most C4 stuff I just did full rewire jobs etc, but there is a relay somewhere which could be not turning on but it doesnt sound like your problem, it sounds to me like your indash radio is toasted
Check the C4 sticky at the top of the section, there is a reference to Dr Don's, a place that repairs old Bose stuff. If you give them a call, they can help you with your problem. You should think about buying a Helms Manual if you are going to work on the car yourself. If I were you, I would have all four speaker amps, the head unit, and the CDM refebushed. That is the only way you can be sure you won't have to take it a part more then once, because it is a PITA to work on. I replaced all of my stuff because I did not want to have to keep messing with it, and because the new equipment sounds better.
Good Luck, and let us know how you make out.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,702
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From: Woodinville, WA
The relay you mention is an important part, but if you are hearing a buzz and sound at ALL, then your relay is working fine. All it does is power up the speakers and antenna.
Sounds to me like its an amplification problem. Unfortunately I could give you ideas of what to do if it was aftermarket, but I dont know bose hardware, and Im not in the mood to go taking mine apart to find out.
Check all your connections around the tuner though, make sure everything is solid. If you can get to it easy enough, you may even want to check inside and make sure everything is still nicely soldered and in good working condition.
Sounds to me like its an amplification problem. Unfortunately I could give you ideas of what to do if it was aftermarket, but I dont know bose hardware, and Im not in the mood to go taking mine apart to find out.
Check all your connections around the tuner though, make sure everything is solid. If you can get to it easy enough, you may even want to check inside and make sure everything is still nicely soldered and in good working condition.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Derry nh
Thanks for the reply about the relay. Although it's called the "audio relay" (I found it sitting there under the head unit in the dash), I likewise believe that it sends power, not audio, to the amps. Based on my symptoms, Dr. Don's thinks my ECD has a blown power supply. I haven't gotten up the courage to dig in to find the ECD.
Still surprises me that the radio was working fine one day and then not at all a week later.
Still surprises me that the radio was working fine one day and then not at all a week later.
